View full sizeIn this 1963 file photo, singer Frankie Avalon and actress Annette Funicello are seen on Malibu Beach during filming of "Beach Party," in California in 1963. Avalon called his late co-star "one of America's sweethearts."The Associated Press

Central New York native Annette Funicello is being remembered by the many stars she worked with and inspired in her decades-long career, which included Walt Disney Co.'s "The Mickey Mouse Club," the 1962 film "Babes in Toyland" and more than a dozen recorded albums.

Frankie Avalon, who co-starred with her in several beach party films such as "Beach Blanket Bingo," lamented the loss of the famous original Mouseketeer.

"We have lost one of America's sweethearts for generations upon generations," the 73-year-old actor-singer said in a statement. "I was fortunate enough to have been friends with Annette as well as appear in many films, TV and appearances with her. She will live forever. I will miss her and the world will miss her."

Funicello was born Oct. 22, 1942, in Utica, N.Y. and her family moved to Los Angeles when she was 4. She became a teen icon when she starred on the Disney TV series "Mickey Mouse Club" from 1955 to 1959, and went on to appear in more than 100 shows and movies.

The Walt Disney Company said Monday that the singer-actress died peacefully at a California hospital from complications due to her 20-plus-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

'90s "Mickey Mouse Club" star Britney Spears wrote on Twitter, "I am DEVASTATED to hear about the passing of Annette Funicello... She was a role model for me during my days as a Mouseketeer. #Heartbroken."

When a reporter asked Spears about Funicello's death earlier Monday, however, she sparked controversy when she said "I think that's great." The "Scream & Shout" singer later explained on social media that she had misheard the question.

Another member of the modern "MMC" show, former 'NSync singer Lance Bass offered his condolences on social media: "'Now it's time… to say goodbye' to Annette Funicello – my favorite Mouseketeer (After JC and Justin of course) Trading in the ears for a halo. You will be missed!"

View full sizeThis 1955 file photo provided by Walt Disney Co., shows Annette Funicello, a "Mouseketeer" on Walt Disney's TV series the "Mickey Mouse Club." Funicello died at 70 after a long battle with MS.Walt Disney Co. | The Associated Press

Former "Full House" actress Lori Loughlin, who played Funicello and Avalon's daughter in the 1987 movie "Back to the Beach," told E! News the late actress was "a wonderful person."

"I enjoyed working with her immensely and found her to be kind and down-to-earth," Loughlin said in a statement. "She faced her illness with courage and never wanted anyone to have pity on her. I have a fond memory of having lunch at her home many years ago and when she opened the cabinet to get something, there were rows of Skippy peanut butter. She was truly the embodiment of the friendly, all-American girl that we all loved to watch in the beach movies."

Other notable celebrities lamented the loss on social media:

Singer and TV personality Paula Abdul: "I'm truly saddened by Annette Funicello's passing. She was an original Mouseketeer and an original talent all-around."

Actor William Shatner: "My thoughts are with the family of Annette Funicello. My best, Bill."

"Fashion Police" host Joan Rivers: "Annette Funicello's death truly saddens me. She was such a bright and wonderful part of all of our history."

Singer Nancy Sinatra posted a photo of herself with Funicello: "Annette my buddy and me with two of our friends. I'll miss you forever, Annie, and I wish you godspeed."